How Does iMessage Work?

iMessage is an inbuilt messaging service that enables encrypted communication between apple users. The messaging service works on iOS 5 or higher. It works with the following devices,

iPod touch

iPad

iPhone

Mac book

Apple watch

How does iMessage work?

If you are financially able to have a combination of these devices or all of them, you can synchronize your iMessage in all apple devices. You only need to make sure that you use the same Apple ID when signing in to iMessage in the different devices and your messages will be synchronized.

The devices will update automatically regardless of the device you use at any given time when communicating. There should however be an active internet connection when you send and receive messages.

iMessage depends on an internet connection for it to work. Your device should, therefore, be connected to Wi-Fi or your mobile data whenever you plan to use it. Keep in mind that your mobile data may run out at any given time because your data plan is provided by your phone carrier and paid for by you.

Besides an active internet connection, iMessage can only work between two contacts that use an Apple device with activated data services. Your contacts should, therefore, use any of the devices listed earlier.

iMessage makes it simple for you to view the people in your contact list that have activated account. Access settings >messages > send and receive. Just below send and receive, the device will display contacts and their Apple ID. The contacts that have activated iMessage will have a tick or a check mark character next to them.

Why do users opt to use iMessage over standard messaging?

You can send a text, location, video and or sound message as per your liking. iMessage does not distinguish between any of those messages that can be sent. You should note that location, video and sound messages use up more data than a text message sent using iMessage.

It enables animated interaction when messaging. You can use stickers, emoticons and adjust screen and bubble effects for your device.

Adjust settings to receive a notification when the recipient of your message has read it.

You can be notified when the person you are in communication with is typing if you change the settings.

The person you are communicating with can receive a notification when you read their message and be notified when you are typing.

Messages sent through iMessage have an end to end encryption. This is a safety feature that users who share private and confidential information depend on. The messages cannot be accessed or decrypted while in transit.

How do you know if iMessage is working on your device?

Ensure that,

You have activated your iMessage by following the instructions given

The device you are using is connected to the internet.

You can test your iMessage by messaging one of your contacts who you are sure has activated iMessage. When messaging with an Apple device, the message bubble appears either as a blue or green color. Each of these colors conveys a different meaning. The blue color conveys that messages are being sent through the iMessage service while the green color conveys that messages are being sent through standard messaging; that is, SMS or MMS.

If your iMessage is not working, there are steps you can take to fix it for you to continue enjoying the messaging service.